4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone
# 4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone

4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone is an organic compound with the formula $(HOC_6H_4)_2CO.$ This off-white solid is a precursor to, or a degradation product of, diverse commercial materials. It is a potential endocrine disruptor.

## Synthesis

4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone is prepared by the rearrangement of p-hydroxyphenylbenzoate:

    $HOC_6H_4CO_2C_6H_5$ → $(HOC_6H_4)_2CO$

Alternatively, p-hydroxybenzoic acid can be converted to p-acetoxybenzoyl chloride. This acid chloride reacts with phenol to give, after deacetylation, 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone.

## Uses

The main application of 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone is as a UV light stabilizer. It and its derivatives are found in cosmetics, plastics, films, adhesives and coatings, optical fiber, and printed circuit boards. It is the precursor to certain polycarbonate polymers.

